So much to read, so little time

I still read at least 20 minutes a day for pleasure...yet I haven't finished a book for at least a month. It's an attention issue. Combined with my veracious appetite for everything. I actually cannot remember the last book I read in total ("The Leftovers"by Tom Perotta? ). I know I have read books this year - I just can't quite remember which ones I've finished. It's a problem, but it totally isn't stressing me out. I am just enjoying books at whatever pace seems appropriate by 11pm when I get to my pleasure reads. But who knows, maybe I should be more committed to any given book?

In addition to the three books pictured here, I am also reading "The Hobbit" (finally). I'm almost finished with it and I think I can stick it out to the end. Just in time for the movie, at least.

Besides hat, "Team of Rivals" is on my bedside table because 1) it's been on the book bucket list for at least five years, and I figure I should try to read some of it before "Lincoln" comes out in a couple of weeks. I also whole-heartedly admit this is completely related to my recent marathon viewings of "The West Wing." And, I think more of the movie connection was made by the very clever cover update - not only does the new cover show Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln, but includes a line about the movie being based on the book. Of course, it had a 20% off sticker from Target right over that line...so, I initially thought it said, "A Stephen Spielberg Film, Lincoln, based in part one, Team of Rivals" (oh, it's only part one of this giant book? I can totally read THAT by November 16th."). When I removed the sticker - after purchase, mind you - I read it correctly: "...based in part on Team of Rivals." Yep - you'd think my reading abilities would extend to covers. Probably karma for literally making an impulse buy - a judgement, really - based on the book's cover.

"Wonder" is for the kids. I am doing a book club at the charter school I worked to open with a couple of third graders. We just finished our "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" read - meaning, they read at home and we did various comprehension checks and activities each week to discuss the book. We focused most on the theme of how somebody's background does not necessarily need to to determine their future. Needless to say, it's given me just enough of a teaching fix that we are roaring ahead. They will be independently reading "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator" (because we have to know what happens!) while, together, we do a guided reading of "Wonder." It's just slightly above their independent level, and I think if we read it together while simultaneously checking for comprehension, they totally will get it. I've heard rave reviews and in just the parts I've read so far - I'm already impressed. I'm looking forward to planning our reading and activities!

And finally, "Blasphemy" is something I've been anticipating for months. It's Sherman Alexie's latest collection of new and old short stories, and I literally counted down the weeks to its release. I so enjoyed "War Dances" (and subsequently did a whole Alexie Author Study with my 7th graders) that I couldn't wait for the newest collection. I initially planned to go to the Barnes and Noble across from campus after grad class (yep - that's happened too, recently) - but I totally forgot. Organizing school systems has a fuzzy effect on my brain sometimes. And then I couldn't make it to a bookstore for a few days, until I actually went for work.

We did a field trip day which included a movie followed by a discussion at a coffee shop. That coffee shop happened to be in B&N. We entered the store and I bolted to the "New Releases" display and snatched up Alexie's copy - purchasing it with my coffee when I reached the cafe. I didn't time this process, but I estimate the book and the coffee, including travel between the table and cafe, and purchase, took all of five minutes. My co-workers were ... surprised? They asked about the book and we briefly chatted about why Alexie is a must-read...and then got to work!

And then there's "The Hobbit." I'm reading it so I can get into the Peter Jackson movies without guilt about not reading Tolkein (so no, I have not read or watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy yet...talk about blasphemy). I am really enjoying the story. I remember I started reading this book in 6th grade, but stopped because likely, it was a little to high for me. It was probably at my "frustration" reading level (oh, what a teacher I can be), so I gave up on it quick. And never revisited. So, here we are, more than a decade later.

SO really, I'm reading American presidential history, young adult fiction about bullying and overcoming adversity, a collection of short stories about Native America, and small men traveling through middle earth and battling dragons. And likely, I will finish them all - while hopefully, investing others in the stories.

Oh, I did read "A Clash of Kings" in the Game of Thrones series - excited for the third book and third season soon! See, progress happens.

Time to go read.

What He Said, What He Wrote

The only thing I can say uniquely about Ray Bradbury's death is that I distinctly remember the shock and wonder I experienced reading "The Fruit at the Bottom of the Bowl," one of his short stories, for the first time. There is something incredibly powerful that happens when you read a story and it completely surprises you. I remember finding this story quite strange and at times slightly dull - and then my feelings got turned upside down. I felt, very profoundly, not only a new sense of interest, but surprise in reading the story toward the end - and then I had to read it again and again just so I could experience the feeling over and over.

This happened countless times when I read Bradbury's short stories (in "Driving Blind" was one of my favorite anthologies growing up) and novels (who couldn't be changed by "Fahrenheit 451" ? ).

In addition to his writing, I was impressed by Brandbury's sense of purpose, focus on love, and genuineness. When my high school acquired the rights to perform "Fahrenheit 451" the play - Bradbury sent our director a signed copy of the book to thank us for spreading 451's main messages to larger audiences.

In closing, I have to link to Paulo Coelho's Blog for some great quotes from Bradbury. A great author recognizing a great author. As well as Huffington Post's reflection on his life. Because really, nobody can describe Ray Bradbury better than the things he said, and nobody really gets it until they experience his stories.

Thanks.

Summer Reading 2012

My 2012 reading habits have waned, but I'm excited to set and meet some summer reading goals. What could be a better way to get back into the groove of reading than to do it by the pool?

Here is what I hope to read:

"A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin (HBO has renewed my interest in this series)
"Class Warfare" by Stephen Brill
"The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
"No Country for Old Men" by Cormac McCarthy
"In the Garden of the Beasts" by Erik Larson

Hopefully the reading jolt will also lead me to doing some more writing, too!

Cheers to summer! And to books!

~MJ